Years ago when my sons were still little men, I made one of the formulations in "The New Holistic Herbal" to help with their cuts and scrapes. This pot marigold salve was the best thing ever. Little did I know it was to be a catalyst for my future creations. Everything I used that salve on was healed without any infection, and hardly any scar as well. In the garbage went my antibacterial ointment stand by. "Calendula Ointment" became a necessity to raising four boys...I would never be without it...to this very day.
Calendula is an anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, and when it is used on minor injuries or any other skin related issue, be it topical infection or irritation, calendula is the herb of choice. I made an "Ouch Spray" for the boys to spray on their injuries, and it became the answer to so many injuries. I felt good knowing that I had made it, and that it was just the Calendula I had grown or purchased myself and spring water. I wish I had known about it sooner it would have been the best thing for their diaper area. I use Calendula infused oil in many of my products including my Baby Bottom Salve, and my massage oils. Calendula is know to stimulate the body into producing Collagen. We can all use a little extra, so whether it is just a smiggin' in my Baby Massage Oil, or the triple infused oil of my "Healing Salve", you know that I am confident in the properties and the benefits to the skin that Calendula holds.
Calendula can be used internally and is known to have some wonderful effects on the bowel especially. There are concerns with extended use for build up of the mild antibacterial compounds. I have only used Calendula as an infusion for my family for just a few days at a time when I am aware of an intestinal bug. But, when Calendula is used internally we want to be careful for the fact that it may increase sedative effects of some medications.
Valerian is one of my absolute favorite herbs! It is a natural tranquilizer. So that would explain it, right? Just the herb for a woman who has 4 sons and lives in a house with 5 men and a male Akita! Actually my reasons are better than that. I had Lyme Disease back a few years ago. It has left me in a different state of health...that I try to ignore but it is always there. One of the problems is difficulty sleeping and a lot of tension in my neck and legs. Valerian is a Calmative. In some areas of Europe it is the sleeping aid of choice. I have recommended it for many people with Restless Leg Syndrome, and every time it has worked. I like to think of it as a natural muscle relaxant. The studies that have been done say that it actually improves quality of sleep the same as barbiturates like Phenobarbitol, or benzodiazepines like Librium. The difference is that Valerian is not habit forming or addictive, and our bodies cope so much better with the plants that have been provided for us, than with just a portion of their constituents or a man made chemical.
I also use Valerian for panic and anxiety attacks. Here is the part that is hard to explain but I have experienced it more than once. Valerian calms and helps with sleep, but it does not cause sleepiness, grogginess or that morning after fog that some medications can cause. It is as if the herb is able to work to the degree that it is needed. Again, we do not understand all of the gentle nuances of plants. Studies have shown that when Hops is paired up with Valerian, it has the same effectiveness as Valium where anxiety is concerned. I have taken Valerian for years and never once have I felt anything like I have when I had to take valium for an anxiety problem years ago.
For those with a nervous stomach, or indigestion and cramping or the stomach, Valerian helps to relax the muscles within this sytem and help them to relax when they are stressed and "irritable". The heart is a muscle and those with hypertension can also benefit from Valerian.
There are contraindications to using Valerian. I say all things in Moderation is the best plan. If you are on Valerian for several months you would need to wean yourself off of it. The reverse is pretty much what happens. I learned this by doing...which is typical for me. I had no idea that I could not just stop. But when I did I had a headache, agitation, and palpitations. Sure enough after lots of research I found one resource that mentioned these effects.
As with all herbs I recommend you have a Certified Herbalist or Master Herbalist to guide you through until you yourself are sure of what you are doing. Herbs are gentler than chemicals and such, but still are very powerful and need to be used wisely.